Tesla maintains competitive showing in China-made EV sales despite industry headwinds

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's sales in China have shown modest growth, but the overall demand for its electric vehicles (EVs) appears stagnant amid increasing competition and a broader industry slowdown [1][3]. Sales Performance - Tesla's January deliveries from the Shanghai Gigafactory increased by 9% to 69,129 units compared to 63,238 units in January 2025 [2]. - Despite the rise in deliveries, Tesla's total sales of China-produced EVs fell by 4.8% in 2025, making it one of only two manufacturers in Beijing to report declining annual sales [4]. Competitive Landscape - Tesla ranks third among Chinese EV manufacturers, with BYD leading at 205,518 shipments and Geely in second place with 124,252 units [2]. - The base Model 3 sedan is priced at approximately 235,500 yuan ($33,943), nearly three times the cost of BYD's Seal, which starts at around 79,800 yuan [4]. Pricing Strategies - To remain competitive, Tesla has implemented aggressive pricing strategies, including offering five-year 0% interest loans and seven-year "ultra-low" interest rate loans for orders placed before February 28 [5]. Market Conditions - The overall EV market in China has slowed, with new energy vehicle sales growing by only 1% year-on-year in January, marking the fourth consecutive month of slowing growth [6]. - A 5% tax on new energy vehicle purchases has been reinstated, which may further impact sales [7]. Regulatory Challenges - New regulations from Beijing will ban concealed door handles starting January 1, 2027, requiring all cars sold in the country to have mechanical releases [8]. - This regulation follows incidents where EV occupants could not escape vehicles during fires due to power failures in door-locking mechanisms [9]. - Analysts suggest that while this regulation may pose challenges for Tesla, it is unlikely to significantly impact most other automakers, as they were consulted during the drafting process [10].